This recipe for Turkey Gravy is ideal and can be prepared with or without drippings. Perfect for feeding a large crowd on Thanksgiving, all you need is butter, flour, black pepper, chicken or turkey stock, and/or drippings!
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be the same without the turkey gravy! A few years ago, I used to be really afraid to make gravy because, for some reason, it seemed too difficult. I’m here to tell you that one of the simplest Thanksgiving dinner recipes is this homemade turkey gravy. Of course, you can use this turkey gravy for purposes other than Thanksgiving. You can use this any time of year. Whenever I make my favorite roast chicken, I usually use it.
The simplicity of the ingredients is one reason why this turkey gravy recipe is ideal. Navigate to the recipe card located at the bottom of the post to find the measurements of each ingredient.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. And what’s a Thanksgiving meal without a rich, flavorful gravy to accompany the turkey? While making gravy from scratch may seem daunting, it’s actually quite easy with this foolproof recipe.
This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want to get dinner on the table quickly and easily. It only takes 10 minutes to make, and it’s sure to impress your guests. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the gravy is thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot over turkey or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- For a richer gravy, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- If you don’t have poultry seasoning, you can use a combination of thyme, sage, and rosemary.
- To make the gravy ahead of time, simply reheat it over low heat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
You can use any type of chicken broth, but low-sodium broth is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Can I use turkey broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use turkey broth instead of chicken broth. The gravy will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk the slurry into the gravy and cook until thickened.
How do I thin the gravy if it’s too thick?
If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it by adding more chicken broth or water.
Can I freeze the gravy?
Yes, you can freeze the gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Making quick turkey gravy is easy with this foolproof recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you can create a delicious gravy that will be the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
How to Make Turkey Gravy
This is a quick guide to making homemade gravy for turkey. The entire process will only take about ten minutes because the method is so straightforward. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the complete recipe, which includes all measurements.
- Melt your butter. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Then stir in the black pepper.
- Make a roux. Slowly add the flour, whisking to combine. Keep whisking until the flour and butter are thoroughly combined.
- Add the liquid. Add your broth or drippings gradually, whisking constantly to combine. Hold off on adding more until the previous addition has been absorbed. Continue until all of the liquid has been added.
- Cook the gravy. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes in order for it to thicken. Serve right away or reheat slowly until ready to serve.
We make a roux with flour and fat (butter) to make this gravy thick and creamy. This produces a thickening agent, similar to my Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and is a crucial step in getting the perfect consistency for the gravy. It’s crucial to keep whisking as you add the flour and to add the liquid very slowly, letting it soak into the mixture before adding additional. Although it just takes a minute or two, you should not rush this process. Continue doing this until all of the broth or drippings have been added. Although it comes together quickly, you won’t want to put this recipe down until it’s finished.
Turkey Gravy With or Without Drippings
One of the reasons I adore this homemade turkey gravy recipe is that it can be made with or without drippings. The liquid and any bits that remain in the pan or roaster after the chicken or turkey has finished cooking are referred to as the “drippings.” The combination of the meat slowly roasting, melted fat, and any pieces that have fallen off during cooking creates an incredible flavor. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!.
If you plan to use drippings, transfer them into a fine-mesh strainer and let cool slightly so that the fat separates and begins to solidify at the top. Use a spoon to remove the fat. When it’s time to whisk, I like to strain them into a large glass measuring cup so I can easily see how much I have and pour it into the gravy.
You will need to buy chicken or turkey stock from the grocery store if you are making this turkey gravy without drippings. As the quality of the stock you use will directly affect the gravy’s flavor, make sure you use one of the highest quality.
Don’t worry if you don’t have enough turkey drippings for four cups. You can always add store-bought stock to make up for what you don’t have. To make a total of 4 cups of drippings/stock, for instance, take 2 cups of turkey drippings and add 2 cups of chicken stock.
